Public Notice: Drinking Water Chlorine Maintenance Beginning April 10

Public Notice: Drinking Water Chlorine Maintenance Beginning April 10

This standard procedure will take about two weeks

Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA) and the City of League City will be conducting water quality maintenance on the transmission and associated distribution systems served by GCWA's, Thomas Mackey Water Treatment Plant-which includes the City of League City-from April 10 to April 24. GCWA is League City's contracted provider for purchased surface water and provides treated drinking water from the Thomas Mackey Water Treatment Plant.

When the chlorine reversion is completed, the water system officials will notify you that the water has returned to normal chloramine disinfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read a full list of Frequently Asked Questions here.

What is "Drinking Water Chlorine Maintenance?"

GCWA uses a standard combination of chlorine and ammonia called "chloramine" for disinfection throughout the water distribution system and to reduce taste and odor concerns. As part of annual system maintenance, GCWA will temporarily change its water disinfection process from a combination of chlorine and ammonia to chlorine only, or "free chlorine."

Why is This Done?

The purpose of this maintenance is to improve water quality. Free chlorine enhances the disinfection and water line maintenance process, ensuring higher quality of water throughout the transmission and distribution systems.

Is it Safe?

Yes. This temporary change in the treatment process is standard water utility industry practice performed in accordance with State and Federal drinking water regulations. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has been consulted and has approved this method for routine maintenance of potable water systems. During this process the public water supply may develop an odor or discoloration. This is caused by an aggressive flushing program that will occur during the reversion process. The safety of the water supply will not be affected by this action.

Special Note: Kidney Dialysis Machines and Tropical Fish Aquariums

However, users of kidney dialysis machines and owners of tropical fish aquariums will need to make appropriate modifications to their procedures. Owners of fish and reptiles should follow standard water treatments using products that remove both chlorine and chloramine from the water. Dialysis centers will continue to treat the water to remove all chemical disinfectants, including chlorine and chloramine, before the water is used for dialysis. Home dialysis users should consult their machine manufacturers for
instructions on how to properly treat theirwater before use.

This maintenance will affect all users of drinking water from the Thomas Mackey Water Treatment Plant including League City's neighboring communities.

If you have questions concerning this matter, please contact the Water Production Department at 281-554-1041.